A nurse is preparing to suction secretions from a patient who has a new tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Choice A rationale

Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs. However, it does not typically cause lung hyperinflation.

Choice B rationale

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. While it can cause symptoms similar to those described, it does not typically cause lung hyperinflation or localized pneumonia in the left upper lobe.

Choice C rationale

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The client’s symptoms of a productive cough with thick yellow sputum, crackles in the left upper lobe, and decreased breath sounds at bases bilaterally are consistent with pneumonia. The chest x-ray showing left upper lobe pneumonia confirms this diagnosis.

Choice D rationale

Asthma is a condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. While asthma can cause lung hyperinflation, it does not typically cause localized pneumonia in the left upper lobe.

Choice A rationale: Client 1 is admitted with a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. While this condition can cause discomfort and requires management, it is a chronic condition that does not typically present an immediate threat to the client’s health. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice B rationale: Client 2 has a history of hyperlipidemia and has been administered Atorvastatin 20 mg PO as prescribed. Hyperlipidemia is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, but it does not typically present an immediate threat to the client’s health. The fact that the client has been administered their medication as prescribed suggests that their condition is currently being managed effectively. Therefore, while this client will need to be monitored to ensure that their medication continues to be effective, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice C rationale: Client 3 is 1 day postoperative and reports pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10, even after Morphine 5 mg subcutaneous was administered as prescribed. This indicates that the client’s pain is not well controlled and could be a sign of complications. Therefore, immediate assessment is required. This client should be the nurse’s highest priority.

Choice D rationale: Client 4 is admitted with a new diagnosis of heart failure. Heart failure is a serious condition that can have life- threatening complications. However, the fact that this is a new diagnosis suggests that the client’s condition is not yet severe enough to require immediate intervention. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice E rationale: Client 5 has a stage 2 pressure injury on the left heel. Pressure injuries can lead to serious complications, including infection and tissue necrosis. However, a stage 2 pressure injury is a relatively minor injury that is unlikely to present an immediate threat to the client’s health. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their pressure injury, they are not the highest priority at this time.

Choice F rationale: Client 6 is admitted with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, the fact that this is a new diagnosis suggests that the client’s condition is not yet severe enough to require immediate intervention. Therefore, while this client will need to be assessed and their care plan will need to be adjusted to manage their new diagnosis, they are not the highest priority at this time.